Trans-World Investments v. Drobny

OPINION

ERWIN, Justice.

The court is required to determine in these petitions whether, and to what extent, the physician-patient evidentiary privilege is waived by virtue of the patient filing a personal injury lawsuit.1 Because the privilege in issue has been subject to diverse interpretations not only in Alaska’s courts,2 but in the United States District Court for the District of Alaska-3 as well, we feel compelled to review the cases at this time.4

In the matter brought by petitioner Ver-vick, the parties jointly contend a vehicular accident took place on the 10th of December, 1975, between…